Mark Stoops outlines position groups that need to develop this spring, how to push Kentucky program forward
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Last season didn’t live up to the hype for Kentucky and it resulted in some major changes in Lexington for Mark Stoops’ program.
The offense has completely been blown up this offseason as Kentucky cut ties with long-time assistants Eddie Gran and Darin Hinshaw. In their place, former NFL assistant Liam Cohen has taken control of the offense in Lexington.
In addition to staff turnover, the Kentucky quarterback and receiving room look much different heading into the spring as a result of defections and additions to the roster, leaving many to wonder what Cohen has to work with in his first season running the Wildcat offense.
When asked to discuss the position groups he wants to see develop the most this spring, Stoops pointed toward four position groups that need to find some answers by the end of the team’s camp.
“I think, it’s fair to say that the wide receiver position is always a position that we feel like we have to continue to grow, and obviously, the quarterback position is always important,” Stoops said on Monday. “On the defense side of the ball within at linebacker. But also, you know, I want to see, I feel like we have quite a few bodies but we need to take another step on the defensive line as well.”
One thing Stoops has been clear about when it comes to his decision to change offensive schemes — he is hoping to push the program forward.
How does that get accomplished this spring?
“Just getting better. I mean, again, there’s no magic formula, there’s no magic wand,” Stoops continued. “It takes a plan but it also takes dedication, on a lot of people’s part, so we all have to do our part and just get better day by day.
“I’m really excited to mention that I’ve said that before, I think I feel really good about where we’re at, but we have to put in the time we have to put in the work – and it’s day by day. You can’t get out ahead of yourself. I know that’s boring to talk about but it’s so true.”
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
